CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 69
RAUL’S POV

The sun had set, casting a dim light through the windows as I tucked Marissa into bed. She looked so tired as she slept and I couldn't blame her. She had done most of the work today. She really was a blessing in my life.



I gave her a soft peck on her forehead and headed to the meeting room as the elders were still waiting for me.



As I entered the room, the atmosphere was thick with tension and the elders were all present, their faces stern and unsmiling. I squared my shoulders, steeling myself for the confrontation ahead, I wasn't going to let them intimidate me. I took my seat at the head of the table.



Elder Morales was the first to speak. "What happened today? I heard many got injured.”


I cleared my throat and began recounting the events of the day, the explosion, the chaos, the injured pack members. I wasn't even finished when my mother interjected, her voice sharp.



"Who do you suspect is responsible for this attack?" She asked glaring at me, her eyes hard.



"I think it's Damien," I replied evenly, "And he was the main reason I called for today's meeting," I added, earning looks from around.



"Who is this Damien?" Elder Santos asked, his curiosity piqued.



I took a deep breath and launched into the explanation. "Damien is Marissa's uncle. He was the one involved in the murder of Marissa's mother and has been involved in dark dealings for years. Recently, we've uncovered that he's been plotting against our pack. We found a threatening message in Marissa's room, and further investigation revealed that Liana has been working with him. We confronted Damien, and based on what we discovered, I strongly believe he's behind today's explosion.”




"I knew this girl was trouble from the moment she was brought to the pack," my mother cut in, her voice dripping with disdain. "Look at what we are facing because of her."



Murmurs erupted around the table, the elders whispering amongst themselves. I felt a surge of anger build within me but forced myself to remain calm.




"Marissa is not to blame for this," I said firmly. "She's a victim of Damien's schemes just like the rest of us. If anything, she has been instrumental in uncovering his plans and trying to stop him,” I defended.



"Still," My mother persisted, "We can't ignore the fact that since she arrived, our pack has faced one threat after another. We need to consider the safety of our people," She said, gaining nods from the people loyal to her.



"Safety is precisely why we need to deal with Damien," I countered. "He is the true threat. Removing Marissa from the pack will not solve anything. It will only make us weaker and we need to stand together at this moment, not tear ourselves apart.”



Elder Santos nodded thoughtfully. "Raul is right. We need to focus on the real enemy here. If Damien is as dangerous as he seems, we must prepare ourselves."




"How do you propose we do that?" Elder Morales asked.



"First, we need to secure the pack lands. Increase patrols, set up additional defenses. We also need to interrogate the prisoners we captured today. They might have valuable information on Damien's whereabouts and his plans. And we must continue to work with Marissa, her insights and abilities could be crucial in defeating him.”



The room fell silent as the elders considered my words. Finally, Elder Santos spoke again. "Very well. We will increase our defenses and interrogate the prisoners. But Raul, if there is any more trouble linked to Marissa, we will have to reconsider her place in the pack."



I nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. "I promise, we will do everything in our power to protect the pack and stop Damien.”



With that, the meeting was adjourned, and I felt a heavy weight settle on my shoulders.


The elders started to leave one by one, and I turned to Benjamin to discuss who would interrogate the prisoners when I heard my mother call my name from behind me. I told Benjamin to wait outside and faced her.



"You think you can win over me and keep that plaything you call a mate in this pack?" She sneered.



"I don't want to argue with you, Mother. I don't know what Marissa did to make you hate her so much. All she does is try her best for this pack," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.



She laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "You think so? Isn't she the reason why you locked Liana up? Open your eyes Raul, can't you see what she is doing to you? She's coming between you and your family," She let out. I didn't know when a scoff escaped my lips.



"You think she's coming between us? You are the one who spoiled our relationship years ago and as for Liana, she deserves what she got," I said through gritted teeth. "She betrayed me by siding with the enemy to end my mate. I won't spare anyone who dares to hurt Marissa."



"We'll see about that," She hissed before walking away, leaving me fuming.



I closed my eyes, trying to rein in my anger, when Benjamin reappeared, a worried look on his face.



"We have a problem," He muttered, looking at me intently.



I sighed, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. "What now, Benjamin?"



"It's the prisoners. The one we were hoping to get information from... he's dead," He reported..



My eyes snapped open. "What? How?"



Benjamin shook his head, looking distressed. "It looks like he was poisoned. We found a small vial on him. He must have taken it before we could interrogate him.”



"Damn it," I cursed under my breath. "We needed him alive. Do we have any leads from the others?"



"Not yet," Benjamin replied. "I told Austin to start with the questioning. They are torturing them but they're either too scared or too loyal to Damien to talk."



I rubbed my temples, feeling the frustration building. "Keep pressing them. Someone has to know something."



Benjamin nodded. "I'll get on it right away,” He said and walked away.



“Where are you hiding, Damien?” I whispered to myself, my fist clenched.